'The Cross Taught All Wood to Resound His Name'

A poem by a 17th-century scholar and minister celebrates the joy of Easter.

Easter

Rise, heart, your lord is risen. Sing his praise Without delays, Who takes you by the hand, that you likewise With him may rise: That, as his death calcinèd you to dust, His life may make you gold, and, much more, just.

Awake, my lute, and struggle for your part With all your art, The cross taught all wood to resound his nameWho bore the same. His stretchèd sinews taught all strings what key Is best to celebrate this most high day.

Consort, both heart and lute, and twist a song Pleasant and long; Or, since all music is but three parts vied And multiplied, Oh let your blessèd Spirit bear a part, And make up our defects with his sweet art.